Untitled Valentine (Three Hearts) c. 1865

This delicate Valentine, made by Berlin and Jones, presents a complex arrangement of cut paper and applied color. Three heart shapes dominate the design, each differentiated by color and texture. The structure is built on symmetry, yet avoids exact duplication, creating a lively visual rhythm. The intricate lace-like patterns cut into the paper contrast with the solid blocks of color peeking through. The Valentine can be seen as a semiotic exercise, employing symbols of love and affection, such as hearts and flowers, to communicate complex emotions. This is not simply a sentimental object, but a structured composition where each element functions as a sign within a larger symbolic order. Notice how the cut-out designs destabilize the solidity of the paper, transforming it into an open, permeable surface. This interplay between solid form and negative space creates a dynamic tension. It's a demonstration of how a seemingly simple design can challenge fixed categories, engaging with broader questions of perception and representation.